AMFGLEO MEETING AGENDA

2026 AMFGLEO Chiefs Meeting Agenda June 21–24, 2026

Lake Okoboji Resort & Conference Center, Iowa

Location & Lodging

Overnight accommodations are available at the Lake Okoboji Resort & Conference Center, 1405 U.S. Highway 71, Okoboji, Iowa 51355, at a discounted rate of $160/night plus tax and resort fees. A limited number of rooms will also be available at the prevailing government rate to eligible individuals. To make a reservation, call (712) 332-2161 and indicate you are with the MAFWA Group.


Sunday, June 21, 2026

2:00 – 6:00 PM — Conference Registration Desk Open 4:00 – 6:00 PM — AMFGLEO Executive Board Meeting | Room: Pebble Beach South 6:30 – 8:30 PM — Welcome Reception | Room: Bayhill Sponsored by: Brandt Information Services 8:30 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suite Open | Room: Great Room Sponsored by: Southwick Associates


Monday, June 22, 2026

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Conference Registration Desk Open 7:00 – 8:00 AM — Attendee Breakfast | Room: Bayhill Sponsored by: National Wild Turkey Federation

8:00 – 9:00 AM — Welcome to Iowa | Room: St. Andrews

  • Posting of the Colors, Iowa DNR Law Enforcement Honor Guard
  • Welcome to Iowa – Pete Hildreth, Division Administrator
  • Opening Remarks – Kayla Lyon, Iowa DNR Director


Keynote Presentation: Mike Hawkins, Iowa DNR Fisheries Building Resilience: Rewilding an Altered Landscape through Partnerships

In the heavily altered landscape of the Midwest, the Iowa Great Lakes Watershed stands as a testament to the power of collaborative conservation. For over 50 years, this region has served as a living laboratory for "rewilding" within a working landscape, proving that ecological integrity and economic vitality are inextricably linked. This presentation explores how myriad partnerships — spanning local fundraising, state agencies, and private citizens — have successfully implemented extensive land protection, wetland and shallow lake restoration, and urban conservation strategies. Long-term monitoring data reveals a clear trajectory of recovery: improved water clarity, decreased nutrient levels, and positive shifts in aquatic plant life and fisheries assemblages. The Iowa Great Lakes experience offers a scalable model for Directors across the Midwest, demonstrating how aggressive, partnership-driven conservation can build ecological resilience and restore natural function to our region's most premiere resources.


9:00 – 10:00 AM — State Hot Topics: IL, IN, IA, KS | AMFGLEO and Directors Each State Director will describe a recent agency challenge. 15 min. each.

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Refreshment Break | Room: Pebble Beach North

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — State Hot Topics: KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND | AMFGLEO and Directors Each State Director will describe a recent agency challenge. 15 min. each.

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Awards Luncheon | Room: Bayhill Sponsored by: Canadian NAWMP Partners & Fall Flights Sponsored by: Ducks Unlimited Awards: MAFWA Awards Committee – Pete Hildreth, IA DNR Awards: AMFGLEO Awards Committee

1:30 – 2:45 PM — AMFGLEO Group | Room: Pebble Beach South

  • Business meeting

2:45 – 3:00 PM — Refreshment Break | Room: Pebble Beach North Sponsored by: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

3:00 – 4:30 PM — AMFGLEO Group | Room: Pebble Beach South

  • Business meeting

4:30 – 5:00 PM — Break to change for dinner & tour

5:00 – 6:00 PM — Dinner | Room: Bayhill Sponsored by: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

6:30 – 9:00 PM — Queen 2 Lake Okoboji Boat Tour and Dessert

9:30 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suite Open | Room: Great Room Sponsored by: Safari Club International


Tuesday, June 23, 2026

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM — Conference Registration Desk Open 7:00 AM — Bus loads for breakfast and tour 7:15 – 7:45 AM — Attendee Breakfast | At the hatchery Sponsored by: National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)

7:45 AM – 12:00 PM — Field Tour: Midwest Resilience

  • Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery – Kim Hawkins (Iowa DNR)
  • Anglers Bay – Chris and Mike on buses (Iowa DNR)
  • Moore Slough – John Smelzer (Spirit Lake Protection Association) and Joe McGovern (Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation)
  • Shallow Lakes Initiative – West Hottes Lake/Kettleson Hogsback Complex – Chris Larue & Mike Hawkins (Iowa DNR)
  • West Okoboji Wetlands Complex WMA/WPA & Okoboji View Golf Course – Chris Larue & Mike Hawkins (Iowa DNR)

12:00 – 12:30 PM — Luncheon at Maser Monarch Lodge, Dickinson CCB Sponsored by: Bass Pro Shops

12:30 – 3:00 PM — Law Enforcement Chiefs Tour of Pure Fishing (Closed Tour, Invitation Only) Bus leaving from Dickinson CCB at 12:30

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Meeting Resumes | Room: South Pebble Beach

  1. Airborne Hunting Act – Douglas Ault, Assistant Director Law Enforcement, USFWS
  2. DOPLR Radar Enforcement Techniques – Presenter TBD

Evening — Dinner on your own

8:00 – 11:00 PM — Hospitality Suite Open | Room: Great Room Sponsored by: DJ Case & Associates


Tours & Other Activities in the Area:


Wednesday, June 24, 2026

7:00 – 9:00 AM — Conference Registration Desk Open 7:00 – 8:00 AM — Attendee Breakfast | Room: Bayhill Sponsored by: The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM — Law Enforcement Business Meeting | Room: Pebble Beach South

  • Call to Order and Roll Call
  • Agenda Review
  • Any unfinished business from the earlier meeting

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Coffee Break | Room: Pebble Beach North

12:00 PM — Conference Adjourns; Lunch on your own